OK>>>>> I am sold on a monster I need a little guidance in choosing the correct bike for my needs. The Monster is within my price range from the 696 up to the 1100S....so relative to that price is not an issue.....I am a new rider...I will be taking a safety course @ the local Harley store and getting my license shortly thereafter.>>>>>>I am 6'3 1/2" tall and I am an athletic 210-215 lbs. will I look like a clown on a pocket bike if I get the 696 as my first bike? Is the 1100S too much bike to start with????
My logical brain tells me to buy a used 09 696 ride it for 6 months and trade up to a new 1100S....is that the best route?
Thank you for any input/advice you may offer...BTW I am soo hooked on these bikes it is amazing!
696. it will prob take longer than 6 months to out grow it from what i have heard on this forum as it is supposed to be an excellent bike.
I'd say get the 696 also. You'll be surprise how fun it is to throw around. You'llhave plenty of time to outgrown that bike.
Welcome and good luck with the bike shopping!
You should have no problem selling the 696 when you are ready to move up. Another option is to look at some used bikes and see what is out there.
Best of luck with the riding course. [thumbsup]
Welcome. I'm 6'5" and I fit on the 696 perfectly. The bike is the same size as my Ninja 250 but I am cramped up on the Ninja. Here's a pic of me on the 1100 so you can get an idea of how you'd look:
(http://www.thetechlounge.com/files/news/images/ducati_monster_1100/6.jpg)
I would recommend you get the 696. I would really recommend you start on something smaller, but that's up to you. The 696 has plenty of power and I have no problem getting around traffic at highway speeds (give or take 20 mph ;)) I would definitely NOT start on the 1100 even though most people start on bigger and live to tell others that is what they should start on too. You CAN learn on a bigger bike, but you will learn FASTER on a smaller bike and be able to show off your skills to the people who have been spending most of their time learning how to not die, instead of how to push their bike to the limits. It's also a lot more fun to start off on a smaller bike, be scared of it, push it to its limits, then buy a bigger bike to be scared of, push it to it's limits, and so on. It's like riding for the first time all over again!
What ever you do, be careful and have fun. You'll love the Monster.
Howdy and welcome. I would never recommend an 1100 for a new rider. Please take the course and take a test ride on the 696 at your local dealer. As a new rider you'll be surprise of how much grunt it have. Of course, the 696 is not as powerful as the 1100 but it takes me to 60mph in the 3 second range... plenty of fast to get an inexperience rider into trouble. But don't let me scare you the 696 is very forgiving compare to other bikes. Just take it easy and keep a cooool head at all time and you'll be fine on the 696.
Well, good luck and ride safe...
Quote from: OstOgBajer on February 13, 2009, 07:06:34 PM
Welcome. I'm 6'5" and I fit on the 696 perfectly. The bike is the same size as my Ninja 250 but I am cramped up on the Ninja. Here's a pic of me on the 1100 so you can get an idea of how you'd look:
(http://www.thetechlounge.com/files/news/images/ducati_monster_1100/6.jpg)
I would recommend you get the 696. I would really recommend you start on something smaller, but that's up to you. The 696 has plenty of power and I have no problem getting around traffic at highway speeds (give or take 20 mph ;)) I would definitely NOT start on the 1100 even though most people start on bigger and live to tell others that is what they should start on too. You CAN learn on a bigger bike, but you will learn FASTER on a smaller bike and be able to show off your skills to the people who have been spending most of their time learning how to not die, instead of how to push their bike to the limits. It's also a lot more fun to start off on a smaller bike, be scared of it, push it to its limits, then buy a bigger bike to be scared of, push it to it's limits, and so on. It's like riding for the first time all over again!
What ever you do, be careful and have fun. You'll love the Monster.
THANK YOU!!!
I went to the Ducati dealer and sat on the 1100S just as you are...it is VERY comfy! However, I was a little weary of so much bike as a beginner. From the pic is seems we are similar in stature..i may have longer legs and shorter torso...but to know that you are on a 696 comfortably makes me more confident in the 696 as my starter!....I really appreciate all the input from everyone who has responded!!!
I say get the bike you want in the end (the 1100) and then just use some (ok A LOT) of self control until you get some seat time ....
~DaVe
Quote from: BumpaD_Z28 on February 15, 2009, 08:22:10 PM
I say get the bike you want in the end (the 1100) and then just use some (ok A LOT) of self control until you get some seat time ....
~DaVe
Your first bike is not your last bike and self control only goes so far. Self control isn't going to help when your a newbie on a powerful bike and run into an emergency situation. The 696 is more than fun and is enough bike to get you into trouble as it is.
If money is a concern (and for some crazy reason you think the 696 isn't enough power for you), get a used Ninja 250 (or a 500) for $2000 or less, learn on that and turn around and sell it for the same price. Then consider the 1100 if you really "need" that much power that soon.
What ever you do, keep the rubber side down [thumbsup]
I'm not here to argue ...
BUT I went from 13 HP to ~75 HP (A LOT of people discouraged this) to ~172 HP and I'm still here typing this ...
Sounds like you are taking the correct steps and signing up for the MSF course, etc. BUT I guess it just boils down to how much YOU trust YOURSELF ...
If you do end up buying a bike you don't want (Kawasaki), then have fun with it :)
I'm not trying to get you killed, just saving you time and money in the long run ... Ask YOURSELF if you are ready for the 1100, if there is any doubt go smaller !
~DaVe
Yeah, it is pretty pointless to argue on the internet... but this is coming down to someone's safety. It doesn't matter how much you trust yourself if you don't have the experience in situations that require almost instinctual reaction. You need practice and your body needs to learn how to react.
And like I said before lots of people get on bikes they shouldn't be on and do just fine, but you're taking a big risk and riding a bike is risky enough. If you need proof, just look at the statistics like the hurt report.
I didn't want a Ninja, but I bought one and cramped as I was, still enjoyed it. It also reinforced my want to ride bikes and I moved up to a bike I really love. And in a year or so, I'll get another, faster bike and get that rush of a big bike all over again.
Starting on a Ninja 250 saves time and money in the long run. You won't be out more than a couple hundred bucks by buying and selling the 250, you'll learn faster so by the time you get the bike you really want, you are a far better rider than you would have been starting on a 1000cc bike. LOTS of people take this route and I haven't heard of one person that regretted it. What will cost you more money in the long run is if you underestimate the potential risks of starting out on a big bike, make a mistake and either damage your bike or your body.
Anyway, I'm just looking out for you and I don't want to continue this back-and-forth. And no disrespect to you Bumpa, I just happen to disagree with you even though he could follow your advice and do just fine. I do recommend that the OP reads the articles on this page before making his decision though:
http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Why_sportbikes_are_NOT_beginner_bikes (http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Why_sportbikes_are_NOT_beginner_bikes)
It is talking mainly about inline-4s, but the 1100 is powerful enough that it still applies.
Quote from: OstOgBajer on February 17, 2009, 02:40:34 PM
Yeah, it is pretty pointless to argue on the internet... but this is coming down to someone's safety. It doesn't matter how much you trust yourself if you don't have the experience in situations that require almost instinctual reaction. You need practice and your body needs to learn how to react.
And like I said before lots of people get on bikes they shouldn't be on and do just fine, but you're taking a big risk and riding a bike is risky enough. If you need proof, just look at the statistics like the hurt report.
I didn't want a Ninja, but I bought one and cramped as I was, still enjoyed it. It also reinforced my want to ride bikes and I moved up to a bike I really love. And in a year or so, I'll get another, faster bike and get that rush of a big bike all over again.
Starting on a Ninja 250 saves time and money in the long run. You won't be out more than a couple hundred bucks by buying and selling the 250, you'll learn faster so by the time you get the bike you really want, you are a far better rider than you would have been starting on a 1000cc bike. LOTS of people take this route and I haven't heard of one person that regretted it. What will cost you more money in the long run is if you underestimate the potential risks of starting out on a big bike, make a mistake and either damage your bike or your body.
Anyway, I'm just looking out for you and I don't want to continue this back-and-forth. And no disrespect to you Bumpa, I just happen to disagree with you even though he could follow your advice and do just fine. I do recommend that the OP reads the articles on this page before making his decision though:
http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Why_sportbikes_are_NOT_beginner_bikes (http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Why_sportbikes_are_NOT_beginner_bikes)
It is talking mainly about inline-4s, but the 1100 is powerful enough that it still applies.
dude...you rock!
thank you for the resource...I will be tooling around a little cramped on a 696 as my beginner....I understand there may be "spring" and ither suspension alternatives that will make the bike more conducive to my size/weight...I will research that now...any input is a great help!
Quote from: C230drvr on February 18, 2009, 10:08:15 AM
dude...you rock!
thank you for the resource...I will be tooling around a little cramped on a 696 as my beginner....I understand there may be "spring" and ither suspension alternatives that will make the bike more conducive to my size/weight...I will research that now...any input is a great help!
OK so I finished the MSR @ the local Harley store...rode a Buell...then went to the local Ducati store sat of the 696...nice started it..nice.....then the salesman suggests the Hypermotard....VERY nice has termis and I was intoxicated by the sound...too much bike for a beginner..I think...HOWEVER..the 1100S Monster...I know I know same engine..but different riding position and different gearing makes it slightly easier to rider..not to mention the clutch lever is a little easier to work.....the 1100S I rode had Termis and the full ecu etc etc...VERY nice...I am definitely going for the 1100S!
You can get termi's on the 696...
Well, good luck to ya... keep the rubber side down...
Quote from: OstOgBajer on March 10, 2009, 03:19:38 PM
You can get termi's on the 696...
Well, good luck to ya... keep the rubber side down...
WIll do ....about 4 hours south of you in the RGV....when I have ethe bike we should do a San Antonio or S. padre ride!
Sounds good
Quote from: C230drvr on March 10, 2009, 03:10:32 PM
OK so I finished the MSR @ the local Harley store...rode a Buell...then went to the local Ducati store sat of the 696...nice started it..nice.....then the salesman suggests the Hypermotard....VERY nice has termis and I was intoxicated by the sound...too much bike for a beginner..I think...HOWEVER..the 1100S Monster...I know I know same engine..but different riding position and different gearing makes it slightly easier to rider..not to mention the clutch lever is a little easier to work.....the 1100S I rode had Termis and the full ecu etc etc...VERY nice...I am definitely going for the 1100S!
Well, an M1100s is a lot to bite off, but best of luck and ride safely.
not sure if it has been mentioned but the 1100 and 1100s have taller suspension than the 696, which may make it feel taller (larger) than the 696. Just a thought. I am 6'2" and 203 lbs and i love the way my 696 feels. should be fine.
congrats!
Quote from: ducatitorrey on March 14, 2009, 04:31:03 PM
not sure if it has been mentioned but the 1100 and 1100s have taller suspension than the 696, which may make it feel taller (larger) than the 696. Just a thought. I am 6'2" and 203 lbs and i love the way my 696 feels. should be fine.
congrats!
Yeah, this was all covered before. I'm 6'5" and sit perfectly on the 696, and didn't notice any difference on the 1100. I tried to get him to go for the 696, but he has to make his own decision. Maybe if more people like you come out and tell him he'll be perfectly happy with a 696 he'll change his mind :D :D :D
Hell, if he's willing to put up his cash as collateral in case he wrecks my bike, he can try mine out to see what kind of power it really does have! **
** This statement is subject to change at any time ;)
yeah, when i saw the 1100 and 1100s come out i knew i wouldn't be able to afford them, and since they have the single sided swing arm and nicer wheels, i would never like the 696 as much. I had had it! but after sitting on the 696 dark for the first time the bike was mine in a week. Besides, for about the same price as an 1100s you could get a Hyper or 848!
I would get a used Ducati; ( not necessarily a ninja) then your less concerned about the bike and more concerned about learning to ride. I rode a dirt bike when i was younger then 4 yrs ago I bought used ducati; street riding is fundementally different and much differennt being on the street as opposed to a dirt trail, traffic; pavement. I have since upgraded to the 800 s2r; which I think there the best all around motorcycle that catches the essence of what a bike should be; powerfull enough; "simplistic" air cooled but sophisticated injector & immobilizer technology ....